As I was third in the short program, I was hoping to win a medal. But I forced myself not to think about it. |
I cannot believe it. I made a mistake in the program, but I could skate with pleasure. I think I will realize I have won a gold in the next two or three days. |
I feel the importance and value of winning more and more. Unfortunately, I couldn't find time to meet with my parents who were here to watch my performance. Hopefully, I'll share time with them after coming back home to Japan. |
I felt I was losing my balance so I decided not to do the second one. |
I got a strong feeling while I was skating here that this was going to be one last highlight for my skating career. I had basically the same feeling at the world championships two years ago. |
I had made mistakes in the short program earlier this season, but I finally didn't make any. I'm satisfied more with my performance than my position. It was my best short program this season and hopefully my performance in the free skate will help take me to the Olympics. |
I hope this will be an inspiration for the future generation of skaters. |
I never thought that I'd be able to win this gold medal, so I felt no pressure. I was surprised at what I've done and I'm glad that it was the first medal for Japan in Turin. |
I poured all my strength into the Olympics, which was always the chief priority for me and I'm still in a situation where I can't relax. |
I still can't believe this. |
I think I will realize that I have won gold in the next two or three days. Many times I've thought about quitting. I'm happy I have continued. |
I thought we'd be sending some younger skaters to Turin. I'll need to rethink things now that I've made it and am looking forward to the challenge. |
I was a little nervous today, but there was not any major mistake tonight. It was ok. |
I wasn't expecting this. I'm finding it hard to find words. I couldn't think at all with that gold medal around my neck. |
I?m just surprised right now. I can?t find the words for it. |